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Egypt Valley member Bradley Smithson has experienced great success with golf, and it’s not hard to see why—he’s been playing the sport since he was around age three or four.

A junior studying advertising at Michigan State University, Smithson is also a member of MSU’s golf team and credits his father as the reason he got involved with golf.

“My father being a golf professional made me want to start golfing and once I started, I fell in love with it,” said Smithson, who has always called Grand Rapids home. “I have played all my life growing up.”

Smithson and his family are going on their second year as members at EVCC, an experience Smithson said has been great to be a part of.

“I have been able to form some very good friendships and I was able to win the club championship this past summer,” said Smithson, who also recently won the Turtle Casino Michigan Open in June. He’s only the fifth amateur to win the professional event in its 104-year history.

Though Smithson will be a junior this coming fall at MSU, he’s considered a sophomore eligibility wise because of the COVID year students received.

“Once I finish up with school, I plan on turning professional and trying to play golf,” Smithson said.

When he’s not golfing, Smithson enjoys fishing, spending time by a lake or on a boat, and spending time with his friends that he gets to see during the summer months.

“Playing golf while at school is tough with how busy we are, so it’s nice during the summer to catch up with my friends that I haven’t seen in a while,” he said. 

Smithson explains he enjoys playing golf at Egypt Valley because the courses are great and always in excellent condition.

“My favorite parts about the golf courses are that the greens are always so firm and so fast, which is a lot like what we play on during the school year,” Smithson said. “Both courses are very challenging and keep my game in good shape all summer for different tournaments and getting ready for school.”

When not on the course at Egypt Valley, Smithson could be found with friends at the pool or on the patio having dinner. 

“Occasionally, you could find me on the tennis courts with some friends, as well,” he said, noting that ultimately what makes Egypt Valley special is the people.

“I have formed many great friendships over the last couple of summers that I will have for life,” he said. “I also think EVCC is so special because of the staff and all the work they do, whether it’s for the golf course, restaurant or by the pool, everyone is super friendly and welcoming.”

If you see Bradley around the club, be sure to say, “Hello!”